Method and apparatus having three surfaces for sealing distribution ducts

ABSTRACT

An application for an arced sealing tape has a bottom, an inner wall and an outer wall. The surfaces of the inner wall and the outer wall that are closest to a center point of the arc have an adhesive. Likewise, a bottom surface of the bottom also has an adhesive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. patent application titled, “Methodand Apparatus Having Two Surfaces for Sealing Distribution Ducts,”attorney reference number 2408.1, and U.S. patent application titled,“Method and Apparatus Having Four Surfaces for Sealing DistributionDucts,” attorney reference number 2408.2, filed even date here within.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of heating and air conditioning andmore particularly to joining heating and air conditioning airdistribution ducts.

BACKGROUND

An enormous amount of energy is wasted when cooled air escapes fromsupply ducts or when hot or cold attic air leaks into return ducts andvisa versa. Studies indicate that as much as 30% of the conditioned airin an average central air conditioning system escapes from leaks inthese ducts.

For forced air systems to be efficient, ducts must be airtight. Acompetent professional service technician will take great case ininstalling or repairing such ducts. Leaky ducts are difficult to findwithout experience and test equipment.

Even though still in use, the old standard duct tape is inefficient forsealing ducts. To provide a positive seal, current practice includessealing the duct with “mastic.” Mastic is a duct sealant, usually waterbased and fiber reinforced. It is often provided in buckets or tubes foruse in a caulking gun. Even with the use of mastic, tape is stillrequired.

What is needed is an apparatus and application method that will providea proper seal while reducing installation time of duct work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a sealing tape that has a planar bottom,an inner wall and an outer wall. In some embodiments, the sealing tapeforms an arc and the surface of the inner wall and the outer wall thatis closest to a center point of the arc has an adhesive. In someembodiments, a surface on the bottom surface of the bottom also has anadhesive.

In one embodiment, tape for sealing duct work is disclosed. The tapeforms an arc with respect to a center point. The tape includes a curvedplanar outer wall distal from the center point, a bottom and a curvedplanar inner wall closer to the center point. The bottom has a bottomsurface distal from the curved planar outer wall and the curved planarinner wall. A first adhesive layer is on an inner surface of the curvedplanar outer wall; a second adhesive layer is on an inner surface of thecurved planar inner wall (the surface closest to the center point); anda third adhesive layer is on the bottom surface of the bottom.

In another embodiment, a method of sealing a take-off duct to a collaris disclosed. The collar is installed in a surface of aheating/air-conditioning box/run. The method includes providing a tape,the tape forming an arc with respect to a center point. The tapeincludes a curved planar outer wall distal from the center point, aplanar bottom and a curved planar inner wall closer to the center point.The planar bottom has a bottom surface distal from the outer wall andthe inner wall. An edge of the curved planar outer wall is interfaced toa first curved edge of the planar bottom and an edge of the curvedplanar inner wall is interfaced to an opposite curved edge of the planarbottom; thereby forming a U-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, afirst adhesive layer is on an inner surface of the curved planar outerwall. A second adhesive layer is on an inner surface of the curvedplanar inner wall (the surface closest to the center point) and a thirdadhesive layer is on the bottom surface of the planar bottom. The methodcontinues with pulling the vapor barrier and an insulation layer backfrom an end of the duct core of the take-off duct and fitting the end ofthe duct core over the collar. Next, wrapping a band over the end of theduct core and tightening the band. Next, the first adhesive layer isaffixed to the circumference of the collar covering at least part of thecollar and part of the end of the duct core and the second adhesivelayer is affixed to the box/run around the collar. Finally, theinsulating layer and the vapor barrier are pushed into the tape betweenthe curved planar inner wall and the curved planar outer wall and thethird adhesive layer is affixed to the vapor barrier.

In another embodiment, a tape for sealing duct work is disclosed. Thetape forms an arc with respect to a center point. The tape includes anouter wall distal from the center point, a bottom and an inner wallcloser to the center point. The planar bottom has a bottom surfacedistal from both the outer wall and the inner wall. An edge of the outerwall is interfaced to a first curved edge of the bottom and an edge ofthe inner wall is interfaced to an opposite curved edge of the bottom;thereby forming a U-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, a firstadhesive layer is on an inner surface of the outer wall, a secondadhesive layer is on an inner surface of the inner wall (the surfaceclosest to the center point) and a third adhesive layer is on the bottomsurface of the bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate perspective views of adding a duct as done in theprior art.

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate perspective views of a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate perspective views of a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate perspective views of a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate perspective views of a modified first embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate perspective views of a modified second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a modified third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of thepresent invention applied to a duct installation.

FIGS. 26A-B illustrate perspective views of the first embodiment of thepresent invention applied to a duct installation.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the modified third embodimentof the present invention applied to a duct installation.

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a duct installation.

FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a duct installation.

FIGS. 30A-C illustrate step-by-step cross-sectional views of the thirdembodiment of the present invention applied to a duct installation.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention with integrated tie straps.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention with integrated fan-fold tie straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.Throughout this description, the present invention is shown in a typicalapplication of adding a flexible duct or any type of duct to a junctionbox, run, plenum, trunk, etc, of any geometry. The present invention isanticipated for use with any type of duct, flexible or not, insulated ornot, with or without a vapor barrier. For brevity purposes, thefollowing specification uses the term duct or flexible duct to refer toany form of duct or take-off duct as known in the industry.

The present invention is anticipated for use with any type of box, run,plenum, trunk, etc., insulated or not, with or without a vapor barrier.The present invention is anticipated for use with any type of junctionor take-off junction. The present invention is also useful in otherapplications and the examples shown are but several known uses for thepresent invention. For brevity purposes, the junction box, run, plenum,trunk is hereafter referred to as a box. It is anticipated that thepresent invention be used with any shape and/or size of duct and anytype of box, run, plenum, trunk, etc, with or without insulation andvapor barriers.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1H, perspective views of adding a duct as done inthe prior art are shown. Ducts are added to a junction box or run 20 bycutting a hole 21 in the box 20 and inserting a collar nipple 10. Thecollar nipple 10 has dovetail tabs 14 that pass into the hole 21 untilthe flange 12 butts up against the box 20 and the dovetail tabs 14 arethen bent back against the inside wall of the box 20, therebymechanically attaching the collar nipple 10 to the run/box/plenum/trunk20. The collar nipple 10 has a collar bead 11 (not visible in thisfigure) for securing the duct core (see FIG. 1E). FIG. 1B shows thecollar nipple 10 physically secured to the box 20. FIG. 1C shows a rollof tape 16 such as duct tape or metal backed tape as used in the priorart. Such tape is well known in the art and is often required to conformto UL® standards. For example, the basic standard used to investigateproducts related to sealing duct work is ANSI/UL 181A, “Closure Systemsfor Use with Rigid Air Ducts and Air Connectors,” or ANSI/UL 181B,“Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors.”One such tape is “3326” pressure sensitive aluminum foil tape from 3MCompany. Other such tapes from the Avery Dennison Corporation are“Advantage AD 10”, “Advantage AD 80”, “Fasson 0810” and “Fasson 0800”pressure sensitive aluminum foil tape for use with rigid glass fiber andflexible (nonmetallic) air ducts (181A-P and 181B-FX). These areexamples of the many different types and compositions of tape used toseal air duct systems, and many other types are known. For example, insome applications, the existing tape has no adhesive, called scrim, anda sticky sealant, called mastic, is applied to the joint and the scrimis placed over the mastic and pressed to close gaps, etc. In someinstallations, the scrim is then brushed with a coat of mastic.

The formed tape of the present invention, as will be shown, is made fromthe same or similar materials as known in the art. Likewise, the formedtape, as will be explained, is, in some embodiments, backed with thesame or similar adhesive materials as the tape of the prior art and inother embodiments, having no an adhesive backing for use with materialssuch as mastic.

Continuing with the example of the prior art, the tape 16 is torn intosmall pieces 17 and placed to cover the flange 12, contacting the baseof the collar nipple 10 and the wall of the box 20 to provide additionalphysical support and an air seal between the collar nipple 10 and thebox 20. The tape 16 is torn into small pieces 17 so it can interfacebetween a adjacent surface of the box 20 and a round surface of thecollar nipple 10. If the pieces are too big, the tape 16 does not matewell with the round surface of the collar nipple 10.

In FIG. 1E, the vapor barrier 34 is pulled back and the flexible airduct 32/34 is positioned so that the duct core 32 is pulled over thecollar nipple's 10 bead 11. The duct core 32 is held in place by a bandor tie 35 as known in the industry. Next, tape 19 (e.g., duct tape 16 orsimilar tape) is wrapped around the end of the duct core 32 and the baseof the collar nipple 10 to seal that interface (FIG 1F). In someexamples of the prior art, the band/tie 35 is installed after the tape19 is wrapped.

Next, the vapor barrier 34 and insulation 33 (see FIGS. 28-30C) arepulled to cover the flexible duct core 32 and the collar nipple 10 asshown in FIG. 1G then more pieces of torn tape 18 are added on top ofthe torn pieces of tape 17 (FIG. 1H), providing a vapor barrier sealbetween the flexible duct vapor barrier 34 and the box 20 or a vaporbarrier on the box 20.

Many building codes require multiple passes/layers of tape 17/18/19. Asis appreciated by looking at the number of pieces of tape 17/18/19, thisstep takes much time and requires many pieces of cut or torn tape17/18/19. Often, building codes, practices, authorities, etc., requiredouble layers of each layers of tape 17/18/19 to assure proper adhesionand a seal. Furthermore, many building codes (etc.) currently require aninspection of the bottom layer of tape 17/19 before adding the top layerof tape 18 to assure the bottom layer of tape 17/19 is to code before itis covered by the top layer of tape 18. Waiting for such an inspectionslows down the installation process.

Similar prior art methods are performed using scrim (non-adhesive tape)and mastic sealant.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, perspective views of a first embodiment of thepresent invention are shown. To overcome the insufficiencies andinefficiencies of the prior methods and tape 17/18/19, the presentinvention includes several embodiments of formed tape. Some embodimentsof the formed tape include a curve that permits the formed tape to bondto both the curved surface of the collar nipple 10 and the adjacentsurface of the box 20. Some embodiments of the formed tape include ribs,folds, other embossing and the like that permits the formed tape to bebent to interface with the adjacent surface of the box 20 and to be bentaround the curved surface of the collar nipple 10. In the embodiments ofthe formed tape that curve, the formed tape curves outwardly or convexlyfrom a central, imaginary center. In this way, the formed tape wrapsaround cylindrical objects such as heating and air conditioning collarnipples 10 or the like. It is anticipated that the embodiment of formedtape having ribs, fold, other embossing and the like is useful in, forexample, applications in which the take-offs (e.g., collar nipple 10)are of other cross-sectional geometries such as rectangular andhexagonal.

The first embodiment of formed tape 40 is shown in FIGS. 2-9. TheU-shaped formed tape 40 has a cross section similar to a flat-bottom-Uand is curved. The U-shaped formed tape 40 curve is such that an curvedplanar inner wall 54 mates evenly with a wide range of cylindrical (orother shaped) collar nipple 10 sizes, overcoming the problems with theflat tape of the prior art. The U-shaped formed tape 40 has a planarbottom 56 that has curved edges, a curved planar inner wall 54 thatcurves around an imaginary center point and a curved planar outer wall52 that also curves around the imaginary center point. One edge of theplanar bottom 56 is interfaced to a first edge of the curved planarinner wall 54. An opposite edge of the planar bottom 56 is interfaced toan edge of the curved planar outer wall 52. In some embodiments, asshown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5-8, the interface 59 is rounded. In someembodiments, the interface is a pleat 58 as shown in FIG. 3. In someembodiments, the interface is a right angle (FIG. 9). It is preferredthat the bottom 56 and walls 52/54 are formed from a continuous sheet ofmaterial.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped formed tape 40 has an adhesive 42disposed on an inner surface of the curved planar outer wall 52 (thesurface closest to the imaginary center point), an adhesive 44 disposedon an inner surface of the curved planar inner wall 54 (the surfaceclosest to the imaginary center point) and an adhesive 46 (not visible)disposed on a bottom surface of the planar bottom 56. In a typical usagescenario, the adhesive 46 on the bottom surface holds the planar bottom56 against the flange 12 and box 20 connection, the adhesive 44 on theinner surface of the curved planar inner wall 54 holds the curved planarinner wall 54 against the collar nipple 10/duct core 32 and the adhesive42 on the inner surface of the curved planar outer wall 52 holds thecurved planar outer wall 52 to the flexible duct vapor barrier 34. TheU-shaped formed tape 40 provides a seal to each of these connections.Although the walls 52/54 are shown roughly perpendicular to the bottom56, it is anticipated that the walls 52/54 are formed at any angle withrespect to the bottom 56. For example, the outer wall 52 is at 110degrees with respect to the bottom 56 (angled outward) while the innerwall 54 is at 90 degrees with respect to the bottom 56 (perpendicular).

It is anticipated that the U-shaped formed tape 40 is made from anysuitable material similar to or the same as tape 16 that is in currentuse. It is preferred, but not required, that the U-shaped formed tape 40be made from a pliable, shape-holding material such as an annealed metaltypical of materials already in use for duct tapes (e.g., aluminum) toimprove retention of the U-shape. In some embodiments, the tape of thepresent invention has no adhesive layer and is made of materials that,for example, existing scrim is made from such as fiberglass mesh, etc.

It is anticipated that the U-shaped formed tape 40 is manufactured anddelivered either in curved sections (e.g., a section sized to fit an 8″collar nipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented in sections, it ispreferred, though not required, that the section be approximately 3.14(Pi) times the diameter of the intended collar nipple 10 plus anoverlap. For example, a section for an 8″ collar is preferable 28.26″;25.12″ (8″*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap. When implemented in rolls,it is anticipated that the U-shaped formed tape 40 be marked every Pi*Xinterval, where X is a unit of diameter measurement (inches, decimeter,etc.). Therefore, the installer need only count marks representing thediameter of the collar nipple 10 plus one. For example, if the units areinches, the U-shaped formed tape 40 is marked every Pi (˜3.14) inches;so for an 8″ collar nipple 10, the installer counts 9 marks and cuts theU-shaped formed tape 40. For a 10″ collar nipple 10, the installercounts 11 marks and cuts the U-shaped formed tape 40.

To prevent the U-shaped formed tape 40 in embodiments having adhesivesurfaces 42/44/46 from unwanted sticking and to facilitate installation,in some embodiments, some or all of the adhesive surfaces 42/44/46 arecovered with, for example, removable covers 43/45/47. The removablecovers 43/45/47 are, for example, made of a material such as coatedpaper or plastic that adheres to the adhesive surfaces 42/44/46 and areremoved once the U-shaped formed tape 40 is in place for installation.In some embodiments, the removable covers 43/45/47 extend 47 beyond theends and/or edges of the adhesive 42/44/46 to provide gripping areas, anexample of such is shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 9. In some embodiments,the removable covers 43/45/47 include pull tabs 49 to provide grippingareas as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 10-14, perspective views of a second embodiment ofthe present invention are shown. The second embodiment of L-shapedformed tape 60 is shown in FIGS. 10-14. The L-shaped formed tape 60 hasa cross section similar to the letter-L and is curved. The L-shapedformed tape 60 curve is such that the inner planar curved wall 72 mateswith a wide range of cylindrical (or other shape) collar nipple 10sizes, overcoming the problems with the flat tape of the prior art. TheL-shaped formed tape 60 has a curved, planar bottom 74 that has edgescurved around an imaginary center point and a curved planar inner wall72. The curved planar inner wall 72 is positioned towards and facing theimaginary center point. One edge of the curved, planar bottom 74 isinterfaced to a first edge of the curved planar inner wall 72. In someembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, the interface is rounded69. In some embodiments, the interface is a pleat 68 as shown in FIG.13. In some embodiments, the interface is a right angle (FIG. 10). It ispreferred that the bottom 74 and curved planar inner wall 72 are formedfrom a continuous sheet of material. Although the curved planar innerwall 72 is shown roughly perpendicular to the bottom 74, it isanticipated that the inner wall 72 is formed at any angle with respectto the bottom 74. For example, the curved planar inner wall 72 is at 110degrees with respect to the bottom 74 (angled outward).

In some embodiments, the L-shaped formed tape 60 has an adhesive 62disposed on an inner surface of the curved planar inner wall 72 and anadhesive 64 disposed on a bottom surface of the planar bottom 74. In atypical installation, the adhesive 64 on the bottom surface 74 holds theplanar bottom 74 over the flange 12/box 20 interface and the adhesive 62on the inner surface of the curved planar inner wall 72 holds the wall72 against the collar nipple 10/core 32 or to the flexible duct vaporbarrier 34 (two loops of the L-shaped formed tape 60 are used, one atthe interface of the box 20, flange 12/collar nipple 10/core 32 and theother at the interface of the box 20 and the flexible duct vapor barrier34). The L-shaped formed tape 60 provides a seal to each of theseconnections.

It is anticipated that the L-shaped formed tape 60 is made from anysuitable material similar to or the same as tape 16 that is in currentuse. It is preferred, but not required, that the L-shaped formed tape 60be made from a pliable, shape-holding material such as an annealed metaltypical of materials already in use for duct tapes (e.g., aluminum) toimprove retention of the L-shape. In some embodiments, the L-shapedformed tape 60 of the present invention has no adhesive layer and ismade, for example, of materials that existing scrim is made from such asfiberglass mesh, etc.

It is anticipated that the L-shaped formed tape 60 is manufactured anddelivered either in sections (e.g., a section sized to fit an 8″ collarnipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented in sections, it is preferred,though not required, that the section be approximately 3.14 (Pi) timesthe diameter of the intended collar nipple 10 plus an overlap. Forexample, a section for an 8″ collar is preferable 28.26″; 25.12″(8″*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap. When implemented in rolls, it isanticipated that the L-shaped formed tape 60 be marked every Pi*Xinterval, where X is a unit of diameter measurement (inches, decimeter,etc.). Therefore, the installer need only count marks representing thediameter of the collar nipple 10 plus one. For example, if the units areinches, the L-shaped formed tape 60 is marked every Pi (˜3.14) inches;so for an 8″ collar nipple 10, the installer counts 9 marks and cuts theL-shaped formed tape 60. For a 10″ collar nipple 10, the installercounts 11 marks and cuts the L-shaped formed tape 60.

To prevent the L-shaped formed tape 60 of embodiments having adhesivesurfaces 62/64 from unwanted sticking and to facilitate installation, itis preferred, but not required, that one or both of the adhesivesurfaces 62/64 be covered, for example, with removable covers 63/65. Theremovable covers 63/65 are, for example, made of a material such ascoated paper or plastic that adheres to the adhesive surfaces 62/64 andare removed once the L-shaped formed tape 60 is in place forinstallation. In some embodiments, the removable covers 63/65 extendbeyond the adhesive surfaces 63/65 and/or edges of the planar bottomsurface 74 and the curved planar inner wall 72 to provide grippingareas, an example of such is shown in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, theremovable covers 63/65 include pull tabs 49 to provide gripping areas asshown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, perspective views of a third embodiment of thepresent invention are shown. The third embodiment of formed tape 80 isshown in FIGS. 15-17. The modified U-shaped formed tape 80 has a crosssection similar to a flat-bottom-U in which one of the arms of the U isbent outwards and is curved. The modified U-shaped formed tape 80 curveis such that a curved planar inner wall 94 mates with a wide range ofcylindrical (or other shaped) collar nipple 10 sizes, overcoming theproblems with the tape 16 of the prior art. The modified U-shaped formedtape 80 has a planar bottom 96 that has curved edges, a curved planarinner wall 94 that curves around an imaginary center, a curved outerwall 99 that also curves around the imaginary center and has an outwardflare 92 that flares out at any angle between 91 degrees and 180degrees. One curved edge of the planar bottom 96 is interfaced to afirst edge of the curved planar inner wall 94. An opposite curved edgeof the planar bottom 96 is interfaced to a first edge of the curvedplanar outer wall 99 and a second edge of the curved planar outer wall99 is interfaced with an edge of the outward flare 92. In someembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the interface is rounded. Insome embodiments, the interface is a pleat 90 as shown in FIG. 16. Insome embodiments, the interface is a right angle (not shown). It ispreferred that the bottom 96, the walls 94/99 and outward flare 92 areformed from a continuous sheet of material. Although the walls 99/94 areshown interfacing to the bottom at approximately right angles, it isanticipated that the walls 99/94 form at any angle with respect to thebottom 96. For example, the inner wall 94 is at 90 degrees with respectto the bottom 96 and the outer wall 99 is at 100 degrees with respect tothe bottom 96 (angled slightly outward). Likewise, it is anticipatedthat the outward flare 92 be at any angle from 91 to 180 degrees.

In some embodiments, the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 has anadhesive 88 disposed on an inner surface of the outer wall 99; anadhesive 82 disposed on an inner surface of the outward flare 92; anadhesive 84 disposed on the inner surface of the planar inner wall 94and an adhesive 86 disposed on a bottom surface of the curved planarbottom 96. As will be shown, in a typical use, the adhesive 86 (notvisible) on the bottom surface holds the planar bottom 96 over theflange 12/box 20, the adhesive 84 on the inner wall 94 holds the innerwall 94 against the collar nipple 10/duct core 32/band 35, the adhesive88 on the outer wall 99 holds the outer wall 99 to a top surface of thebottom 96 and the adhesive 82 on the outward flare 92 holds the outwardflare 92 to the flexible duct vapor barrier 34. The modified U-shapedformed tape 80 provides a seal to each of these connections.

It is anticipated that the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 is made fromany suitable material similar to or the same as tape 16 that is incurrent use. It is preferred, but not required, that the substrate ofthe modified U-shaped formed tape 80 be made from a pliable,shape-holding material such as an annealed metal typical of materialsalready in use for duct tapes (e.g., aluminum) to improve retention ofthe modified U-shape of the modified U-shaped formed tape 80. In someembodiments, such as those having no adhesive layer, the modifiedU-shaped formed tape 80 is made, for example, of materials that existingscrim is made from such as fiberglass mesh, etc.

It is anticipated that the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 ismanufactured and delivered either in sections (e.g., a section sized tofit an 8″ collar nipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented in sections,it is preferred, though not required, that the section be approximately3.14 (Pi) times the diameter of the intended collar nipple 10 plus anoverlap. For example, a section for an 8″ collar is preferable 28.26″;25.12″ (8″*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap. When implemented in rolls,it is anticipated that the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 be markedevery Pi*X interval, where X is a unit of diameter measurement (inches,decimeter, etc.). Therefore, the installer need only count marksrepresenting the diameter of the collar nipple 10 plus one. For example,if the units are inches, the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 is markedevery Pi (˜3.14) inches; so for an 8″ collar nipple 10, the installercounts 9 marks and cuts the modified U-shaped formed tape 80. For a 10″collar nipple 10, the installer counts 11 marks and cuts the modifiedU-shaped formed tape 80.

To prevent the modified U-shaped formed tape 80 that has adhesivesurfaces 82/84/86/88 from unwanted sticking and to facilitateinstallation, in some embodiments, some or all of the adhesive surfaces82/84/86/88 are covered, for example, with removable covers 83/85/87.The removable covers 83/85/87 are, for example, made of a material suchas coated paper or plastic that adheres to the adhesive surfaces82/84/86/88 and are removed once the modified U-shaped tape 80 is inplace for installation. In some embodiments, the removable covers83/85/87 extend beyond the ends and/or edges of the planar bottomsurface 96 and the wall 94/outward flare 92 to provide gripping areas,an example of such is shown in FIG. 17. In some embodiments, theremovable covers 83/85/87 include pull tabs 49 to provide gripping areasas shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, perspective views of a modified firstembodiment of the present invention are shown. The modified firstembodiment of formed tape 100 is shown in FIGS. 18-20. The modifiedfirst embodiment of formed tape 100 has a cross section similar to aflat-bottom-U. Since the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100 isbent to wrap around many different shaped objects, the modified firstembodiment of formed tape 100 is provided in either curvedsections/rolls and/or in sections that are not curved (e.g., straightsections).

When curved, the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100 curve issuch that its inner wall 112 mates with a wide range of cylindrical (orother shape) collar nipple 10 sizes. The modified first embodiment offormed tape 100 has ribs, folds, bends or embosses across one or itsentire planar bottom 116, inner wall 112 and outer wall 114. The ribs,folds, embosses or bends facilitate installation, allowing the modifiedfirst embodiment of formed tape 100 to stretch, bend, compress and/oradjust to a range of object sizes, irregular surfaces and various objectshapes such as rectangular or octagonal ducts. It is anticipated thatthe folds, ribs, embosses or bends are at any frequency and/or quantityalong the surfaces 112/114/116. For example, in one embodiment, thereare five folds spaced apart every three inches on the planar bottom 116and no folds in the walls 112/114.

One edge of the bottom 116 is interfaced to a first edge of the innerwall 112. An opposite edge of the bottom 116 is interfaced to an edge ofthe outer wall 114. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19,the interface 111 is rounded. In some embodiments, the interface is apleat 110 as shown in FIG. 20. In some embodiments, the interface is aright angle (not shown). It is preferred that the bottom 116 and walls112/114 are formed from a continuous sheet of material. Although thewalls 112/114 are shown roughly perpendicular to the bottom 116, it isanticipated that the walls 112/114 meet the bottom 116 at any angle. Forexample, the inner wall 112 is at 90 degrees with respect to the bottom116 and the outer wall 114 is at 110 degrees with respect to the bottom116 (angled outward).

In some embodiments, the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100has an adhesive 104 disposed on an inner surface of the outer wall 114(the surface closest to a reference point), an adhesive 102 disposed onan inner surface of the inner wall 112 (the surface closest to the samereference point) and an adhesive 106 disposed on a bottom surface of thefunctionally planar bottom 116. In a typical application, the adhesive106 on the bottom surface holds the bottom 116 to the flange 12/box 20,the adhesive 102 on the inner surface of the inner wall 112 holds theinner wall 112 against the collar nipple 10/flexible duct's core 32/band35 and the adhesive 104 on the inner surface of the outer wall 114 holdsthe outer wall 114 to the flexible duct vapor barrier 34. The modifiedfirst embodiment of formed tape 100 provides a seal to each of theseconnections.

It is anticipated that the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100is made from any suitable material similar to or the same as the priorart tape 16. It is preferred, but not required, that the substrate ofthe modified first embodiment of formed tape 100 be made from a pliable,shape-holding material such as an annealed metal typical of materialsalready in use for duct tapes (e.g., aluminum) to improve retention ofthe U-shape and ribs folds, embosses or bends. In some embodiments, themodified first embodiment of formed tape 100 has no adhesive layer andis made, for example, of materials such as those used to make scrim suchas fiberglass mesh, etc.

It is anticipated that the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100is manufactured and delivered either in sections (e.g., a section sizedto fit an 8″ collar nipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented insections, the sections are either provided as curved sections ornon-curved sections (e.g., straight sections), since the modified firstembodiment of formed tape 100 is bent to fit the target application.When implemented in curved or non-curved sections, it is preferred,though not required, that the section be approximately 3.14 (Pi) timesthe diameter of the intended collar nipple 10 plus an overlap. Forexample, a section for an 8″ collar is preferable 28.26″; 25.12″(8V*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap. When implemented in rolls, it isanticipated that the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100 bemarked every Pi*X interval, where X is a unit of diameter measurement(inches, decimeter, etc.). Therefore, the installer need only countmarks representing the diameter of the collar nipple 10 plus one. Forexample, if the units are inches, the modified first embodiment offormed tape 100 is marked every Pi (˜3.14) inches; so for an 8″ collarnipple 10, the installer counts 9 marks and cuts the modified firstembodiment of formed tape 100. For a 10″ collar nipple 10, the installercounts 11 marks and cuts the modified first embodiment of formed tape100.

To prevent the modified first embodiment of formed tape 100 havingadhesive surfaces 102/104/106 from unwanted sticking and to facilitateinstallation, in some embodiments, one or more of the adhesive surfaces102/104/106 are covered, for example, with removable covers 103/105/107.The removable covers 103/105/107 are, for example, made of a materialsuch as coated paper material or plastic that adheres to the adhesivesurfaces 102/104/106 and are removed, for example, when the modifiedfirst embodiment of formed tape 100 is in place for installation. Insome embodiments, the removable covers 103/105/107 extend beyond theends and/or edges of the adhesive surfaces 102/104/106 to providegripping areas, an example of such is shown in FIG. 20. In someembodiments, the removable covers 103/105/107 include pull tabs 49 toprovide gripping areas an example of such is shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, perspective views of a modified secondembodiment of the present invention are shown. The modified secondembodiment of formed tape 120 is shown in FIGS. 21-23. The modifiedsecond embodiment of formed tape 120 has a cross section similar to theletter-L. Since the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 isbent to wrap around many different shaped objects, the modified secondembodiment of formed tape 120 is provided in either curvedsections/rolls and/or in sections that are not curved (e.g., straightsections) since the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 isbent to fit the target application.

When curved, the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 curve issuch that its curved inner wall 132 mates with a wide range ofcylindrical (or other shape) collar nipple 10 sizes.

The modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 has a bottom surface136 and an inner wall 132. One edge of the bottom 136 is interfaced to afirst edge of the inner wall 132. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.21, the interface 139 is rounded. In some embodiments, the interface isa pleat 138 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In some embodiments, theinterface is a right angle (not shown). It is preferred that the bottom136 and inner wall 132 are formed from a continuous sheet of material.Although the inner wall 132 is shown roughly perpendicular to the bottom136, it is anticipated that the inner wall 132 is formed at any anglewith respect to the bottom 136. For example, the inner wall 132 is at120 degrees with respect to the bottom 136 (angled outward). Themodified second embodiment of formed tape 120 has ribs, folds, bends orother embossing across one or both of its surfaces 132/136. The ribs,folds, embosses or bends to facilitate installation, allowing themodified second embodiment of formed tape 120 to stretch, bend, compressand/or adjust to irregular surfaces. It is anticipated that the ribs,embosses, folds or bends are at any frequency and/or quantity along thesurfaces 132/136. For example, in one embodiment, there are fiveembosses spaced apart every three inches on the bottom surface 136 andno folds in the inner wall 132.

In some embodiments, the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120has an adhesive 122 disposed on an inner surface of the inner wall 132and an adhesive 126 disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom 136. Itis anticipated that either of both of the adhesive coatings 122/126 bepresent. In a typical use, the adhesive 126 on the bottom surface 136holds the bottom surface 136 over the flange 12/box 20 and the adhesive122 on the inner surface of the inner wall 132 holds the inner wall 132against the collar nipple 10/duct core 32 or to the duct vapor barrier34 (two loops of the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 areused, one at the interface of the box 20/flange 12/collar nipple 10/ductcore 32 and the other at the interface of the box 20 and the vaporbarrier 34). The modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 providesa seal to each of these connections.

It is anticipated that the substrate of the modified second embodimentof formed tape 120 be made from any suitable material similar to or thesame as tape 16 that is in current use. It is preferred, but notrequired, that the substrate of the modified second embodiment of formedtape 120 be made from a pliable, shape-holding material such as anannealed metal typical of materials already in use for duct tapes (e.g.,aluminum) to improve retention of the L-shape and the ribs, etc. In someembodiments, the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120 has noadhesive and is made, for example, of materials such as those used inscrim such as fiberglass mesh.

It is anticipated that the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120is manufactured and delivered either in sections (e.g., a section sizedto fit an 8″ collar nipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented insections, the sections are either curved or not curved (e.g., straight)and are bent to match the application. When implemented in sections, itis preferred, though not required, that the section be approximately3.14 (Pi) times the diameter of the intended collar nipple 10 plus anoverlap. For example, a section for an 8″ collar is preferable 28.26″;25.12″ (8″*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap. When implemented in rolls,it is anticipated that the modified second embodiment of formed tape 120be marked every Pi*X interval, where X is a unit of diameter measurement(inches, decimeter, etc.). Therefore, the installer need only countmarks representing the diameter of the collar nipple 10 plus one. Forexample, if the units are inches, the modified second embodiment offormed tape 120 is marked every Pi (˜3.14) inches; so for an 8″ collarnipple 10, the installer counts 9 marks and cuts the modified secondembodiment of formed tape 120. For a 10″ collar nipple 10, the installercounts 11 marks and cuts the modified second embodiment of formed tape120.

In embodiments with adhesive layers 122/126, to prevent the modifiedsecond embodiment of formed tape 120 from unwanted sticking and tofacilitate installation, it is preferred that one or both of theadhesive surfaces 122/126 be covered with removable covers 127/129. Theremovable covers 127/129 are, for example, made of a material such ascoated paper or plastic that adheres to the adhesive surfaces 122/126and are removable (e.g., once the modified second embodiment of formedtape 120 is in place for installation). In some embodiments, theremovable covers 127/129 extend beyond the ends and/or edges of thebottom surface 136 and the wall 132 to provide gripping areas, anexample of such is shown in FIG. 22. In some embodiments, the removablecovers 127/129 include pull tabs 49 to provide gripping areas as shownin FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 24, a perspective view of a modified third embodimentof the present invention is shown. The modified third embodiment offormed tape 180 is shown in FIG. 24. The modified U-shaped formed tape180 has a cross section similar to a flat-bottom-U in which one of thearms of the U is bent outwards and is curved. Since the modified thirdembodiment of formed tape 180 is bent to wrap around many differentshaped objects, the modified third embodiment of formed tape 180 isprovided in either curved sections/rolls and/or in sections that are notcurved (e.g., straight sections).

When curved, the modified third embodiment of formed tape 180 curve issuch that its inner wall 194 mates with a wide range of cylindrical (orother shape) collar nipple 10 sizes. The modified third embodiment offormed tape 180 has ribs, folds, embosses or bends across one or all ofits planar bottom surface 196, inner wall 194, outer wall 199 andoutward flare 192. The ribs, folds embosses or bends facilitateeffective installation, allowing the modified third embodiment of formedtape 180 to stretch, bend, compress and/or adjust to a range of objectsizes, irregular surfaces and various object shapes such as rectangularor octagonal ducts. It is anticipated that the ribs, folds, embosses orbends are at any frequency and/or quantity along the surfaces192/194/196/199. For example, in one embodiment, there are five embossesspaced apart every three inches on the bottom surface 196 and no foldsin the walls 199/194 or outward flare 192.

The modified U-shaped formed tape 180 has a bottom surface 196, an innerwall 194 and an outer wall 199 that has an outward flare 192. One edgeof the bottom 196 is interfaced to a first edge of the inner wall 194.An opposite edge of the bottom 196 is interfaced to a first edge of theouter wall 199 and a second edge of the outer wall 199 is interfaced toan edge of the outward flare 192. In some embodiments, similar to thatshown in FIG. 17, the interface is rounded. In some embodiments, theinterface is a pleat similar to the pleat 90 shown in FIG. 16. In someembodiments, the interface is a right angle as shown if FIG. 24. It ispreferred that the bottom 196, walls 194/199 and outward flare 192 areformed from a continuous sheet of material. Although the walls 192/199are shown meeting the bottom at approximately right angles, it isanticipated that the walls 192/199 meet at any angle with respect to thebottom 196. For example, the inner wall 194 is at 90 degrees withrespect to the bottom 196 and the outer wall 199 is at 100 degrees withrespect to the bottom 196 (angled slightly outward). The modified thirdembodiment of formed tape 180 has ribs, folds, bends or other embossingacross one or more of its surfaces 192/194/196/199. The folds or bendsto facilitate installation, allowing the modified third embodiment offormed tape 180 to stretch, bend, compress and/or adjust to irregularsurfaces. It is anticipated that the folds or bends are at any frequencyand/or quantity along the surfaces 192/194/196/199. For example, in oneembodiment, there are five embosses spaced apart every three inches onthe bottom surface 196 and no embosses in the walls 194/199 and noembosses in the outward flare 192.

In some embodiments, the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 has anadhesive 182 disposed on an inner surface of the outward flared 192, anadhesive 188 disposed on an inner surface of the outer wall 199, anadhesive 184 disposed on an inner surface of the inner wall 194 and anadhesive 186 (not visible) disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom196. In a typical application, the adhesive 186 on the bottom surfaceholds the planar bottom 196 over the flange 12/box 20, the adhesive 184on the inner surface of the inner wall 194 holds the inner wall 194 tothe collar nipple 10 and duct core 32, the adhesive 188 on the innersurface of the outer wall 199 holds the outer wall 199 to the topsurface of the bottom 196 and the adhesive 182 on the inner surface ofthe outward flare 192 holds the outward flare 192 to the flexible ductvapor barrier 34. The modified U-shaped formed tape 180 provides a sealto each of these connections.

It is anticipated that the substrate of the modified U-shaped formedtape 180 is made from any suitable material similar to or the same astape 16 that is in current use. It is preferred, but not required, thatthe substrate of the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 be made from apliable, shape-holding material such as an annealed metal typical ofmaterials already in use for duct tapes (e.g., aluminum) to improveretention of the modified U-shape of the modified U-shaped formed tape180. In some embodiments, the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 has noadhesive 182/184/186/188 and is made, for example, of materials similarto materials used for scrim such as fiberglass mesh, etc.

It is anticipated that the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 ismanufactured and delivered either in sections (e.g., a section sized tofit an 8″ collar nipple 10) or on rolls. When implemented in sections,the sections are either curved or not curved (e.g., straight). Whenimplemented in sections, it is preferred, though not required, that thesection be approximately 3.14 (Pi) times the diameter of the intendedcollar nipple 10 plus an overlap. For example, a section for an 8″collar is preferable 28.26″; 25.12″ (8″*3.14) plus 3.14″ for an overlap.When implemented in rolls, it is anticipated that the modified U-shapedformed tape 180 be marked every Pi*X interval, where X is a unit ofdiameter measurement (inches, decimeter, etc.). Therefore, the installerneed only count marks representing the diameter of the collar nipple 10plus one. For example, if the units are inches, the modified U-shapedformed tape 180 is marked every Pi (˜3.14) inches; so for an 8″ collarnipple 10, the installer counts 9 marks and cuts the modified U-shapedformed tape 180. For a 10″ collar nipple 10, the installer counts 11marks and cuts the modified U-shaped formed tape 180.

To prevent the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 of those embodimentshaving adhesive surfaces 182/184/186/188 from unwanted sticking and tofacilitate installation, it is preferred that some or all of theadhesive surfaces 182/184/186/188 be covered with, for example,removable covers similar to the removable covers 83/85/87 an example ofsuch is shown in FIG. 17. It should be noted that in some embodiments,one, two, three or four surfaces have adhesives.

Referring to FIG. 25, a perspective view of the second embodiment of thepresent invention applied to a duct installation is shown. In this, theL-shaped formed tape 60 is applied so that the adhesive 64 (not visible)on the bottom 74 (see FIGS. 10-13) covers and adheres to the jointbetween the box 20 and the flange 12 of the collar nipple 10, therebyforming a seal over that joint. The adhesive 62 on the inner wall 72adheres to the collar nipple 10 and duct core 32. As is shown in FIG.28, another section of the L-shaped formed tape 60 is used to hold andseal the vapor barrier 34.

Referring to FIGS. 26A-B, perspective views of the first embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a duct installation are shown. In this,the U-shaped formed tape 40 is applied so that the adhesive 46 (notvisible) on the bottom 56 covers and adheres to the joint between thebox 20 and the flange 12 of the collar nipple 10, thereby forming a sealover the joint. The adhesive 44 on the inner wall 54 adheres to thecollar nipple 10 and duct core 32. As shown in FIG. 26B, the insulation33 and vapor barrier 34 is pushed into the U-shaped formed tape 40 andthe vapor barrier 34 adheres to the adhesive 42 on the inside surface ofthe outer wall 52. It is advantageous to have the cover 43 over theadhesive 42 to facilitate insertion of the insulation 33 and vaporbarrier 34. After the insulation 33 and vapor barrier 34 are inserted,the cover 43 is removed to allow the adhesive 42 to contact the outersurface of the vapor barrier 34.

Referring to FIG. 27, a perspective view of the modified thirdembodiment of the present invention applied to a duct installation isshown. In this, the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 is depicted withthe adhesive 186 (not visible) holding the bottom surface of the bottom196 (not visible) over the joint between the box 20 and the flange 12 ofthe collar nipple 10 and the adhesive 184 (not visible) holding theinner wall 194 to the collar nipple 10 and duct core 32. The duct core32 is installed on the collar nipple 10 and held as known in theindustry (e.g., by a band/tie 35 which is not visible) and the innerwall 194 (not visible) of the modified U-shaped formed tape 180 coversthe base of the collar nipple 10 and part of the duct core 32. Not shownin FIG. 27, the vapor barrier 34 is pushed into the modified U-shapedformed tape 180 and the outward flare 192 of the modified U-shapedformed tape 180 is bent towards the vapor barrier 34. It is advantageousto have a cover similar to the cover 43 over the adhesive 182/188 tofacilitate insert the insulation 33 and vapor barrier 34. After theinsulation 33 and vapor barrier 34 are inserted, the cover is removed(to expose the adhesive 182/188) and the outer wall 199 and outwardflare 192 is bent to contact a part of the top surface of the bottom 196and the outer surface of the vapor barrier 34.

Referring to FIG. 28, a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a duct installation is shown. In this,two sections of L-shaped formed tape 60A/B are used. The bottom 74 of afirst section 60A adheres to the box 20/flange 12 and the inner wall 72adheres to and covers the base of the collar nipple 10, also covering anend part of the flexible duct core 32 and (in this example) the band 35(in some methods, the band 35 is on the outside of the L-shaped formedtape 60A). The bottom 74 of the second section 60B adheres to the box 20and the inner wall 72 of the second section 60B adheres to the duct'svapor barrier 34. In this view, the insulation 33 is visible between theduct core 32 and the vapor barrier 34. Visible is the bead 11 on thecollar nipple 10. The bead 11 along with the band 35 holds the duct core32 to the collar nipple 10. In some methods, an additional band 35 isused over the inner wall 72 of the L-shaped formed tape 60B.

Referring to FIG. 29, a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a duct installation is shown. In this,one section of the U-shaped formed tape 40 is used. The bottom 56adheres to the box 20/flange 12 and the inner wall 54 adheres to andcovers the base of the collar nipple 10, also covering an end part ofthe duct core 32 and, as shown, the band 35. The curved planar outerwall 52 adheres to the outside edge surface of the vapor barrier 34. Insome embodiments, an additional band 35 (not shown) is used over thecurved planar outer wall 52 of the U-shaped formed tape 40.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-C, a step-by-step cross-sectional view of thethird embodiment of the present invention applied to a duct installationis shown. In this, one section of the modified U-shaped formed tape 80is used. The bottom 96 adheres to the box 20/flange 12 and the innerwall 94 adheres to and covers the base of the collar nipple 10, alsocovering an end part of the duct core 32 and the band 35. The outwardflare 92 is shown extended in FIG. 30A. FIG. 30A shows the pleats 98 atthe interface between the walls 94/99 and the bottom 96.

In FIG. 30B, the outward flare 92 is partially bent towards the vaporbarrier 34 and in FIG. 30C, the outward flare 92 is finished being benttowards the vapor barrier 34 and adheres to the outside edge surface ofthe vapor barrier 34 and the outer wall 99 adheres to a top surface ofthe bottom 96.

Referring to FIG. 31, a perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention with integrated tie straps or bands 200/202 is shown.Although shown with the U-shaped formed tape 40, the tie straps or bands200/202 are anticipated for use with any of the disclosed formed tapes40/60/80/100/120/180. In the version shown, an outer tie strap or band202 is held to the outer surface of the curved planar outer wall 52 ofthe U-shaped formed tape 40 by, for example, a plurality of loops 203 orother known connectors and an inner tie strap 200 is held to the innersurface of the curved planar inner wall 54 by, for example, a pluralityof loops 205 or other known connectors. In some embodiments, theloops/connectors 203/205 are tunnels that run the part or all of thelength of the walls 52/54. The inner tie strap 200 physically holds theduct core 32 to the collar nipple 10 adjacent to the collar bead 11.Likewise, the outer tie strap or band 202 physically holds the vaporbarrier 34 and the insulation 33 to the collar nipple 10 as, forexample, required by certain building codes. It is preferred, though notrequired that the loops 203/205 form a slideable interface with thestraps 200/202. In some embodiments the loops 203/205 are continuous,forming a tunnel along the side of the inner or outer walls 52/54.Various methods of fastening and tying the ends of the tie strap or band200/202 are known in the industry. In some embodiments, only one band200/202 and set of loops 203/205 is present. It is anticipated that theintegrated bands 200/202 be connected and tightened around the duct core10 and/or the vapor barrier 34 and insulation 33 as known in theindustry. In some embodiments, the bands 200/202 are on either side ofthe walls 52/54.

Referring to FIG. 32, a perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention with integrated fan-fold tie straps is shown. Althoughshown with the U-shaped formed tape 40, the fan-folded or wavy tiestraps 210/212 are anticipated for use with any of the disclosed formedtapes 40/60/80/100/120/180. In the version shown, an outer fan-folded orwavy tie strap or band 212 is held to the outer surface of the curvedplanar outer wall 52 of the U-shaped formed tape 40 by a plurality ofloops 203 or other known connectors and an inner tie strap 210 is heldto the inner surface of the curved planar inner wall 54 by a pluralityof loops 205 or other known connectors. The inner tie strap 210physically holds the duct core 32 to the collar nipple 10 adjacent tothe collar bead 11. Likewise, the outer tie strap or band 212 physicallyholds the vapor barrier to the collar nipple 10 as, for example,required by certain building codes. The waves or fan-folds allow the tiestraps 210/212 to be stretched to connect with each other duringinstallation. It is preferred, though not required that the loops203/205 form a slideable interface with the straps 200/202. In someembodiments the loops 203/205 are continuous, forming a tunnel along thesurface of the curved planar inner or outer wall 52/54. In someembodiments, only one band 210/212 and set of loops 203/205 is present.It is anticipated that the integrated bands 210/212 be connected andtightened around the duct core 10 and/or the vapor barrier 34 andinsulation 33 as known in the industry. In some embodiments, the bands210/212 are on either side of the walls 52/54.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method of the present invention andmany of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoingdescription. It is also believed that it will be apparent that variouschanges may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of thecomponents thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. Theform herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatoryembodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims toencompass and include such changes.

1. A tape for sealing duct work, the tape forming an arc with respect toa center point, the tape comprising: a planar bottom, a curved planarouter wall distal from the center point and a curved planar inner wallcloser to the center point, the planar bottom having a bottom surfacedistal from the curved planar outer wall and the curved planar innerwall, the planar bottom having a first curved edge and a distal secondcurved edge; whereas the first curved edge interfaces to a first edge ofthe curved planar outer wall and the second curved edge interfaces to afirst edge of the curved planar inner wall, thereby forming a U-shapedcross section.
 2. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of thecurved planar outer wall, the inner surface of the curved planar outerwall being a surface of the curved planar outer wall closest to thecurved planar inner wall; a second adhesive layer disposed on an innersurface of the curved planar inner wall, the inner surface of the curvedplanar inner wall being a surface of the curved planar inner wallclosest to the center point; and a third adhesive layer disposed on thebottom surface of the planar bottom.
 3. The tape for sealing duct workof claim 2, further comprising removable covers removably covering atleast one of the adhesive layers.
 4. The tape for sealing duct work ofclaim 3, wherein the removable covers further comprise a pull tab. 5.The tape for sealing duct work of claim 1, wherein at least one of thecurved planar outer wall, the curved planar inner wall and the planarbottom has embosses.
 6. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 1,wherein the tape is provided in sections of a specific length.
 7. Thetape for sealing duct work of claim 1, wherein the tape is provided inrolls.
 8. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 7, wherein the tape ismarked in registrations that are related to PI times a unit of diameter.9. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 1, further comprising atleast one band slideably affixed to a surface selected from the groupconsisting of a surface of the curved planar inner wall and a surface ofthe curved planar outer wall.
 10. The tape for sealing duct work ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one band includes waves allowing forexpansion.
 11. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 1, wherein thefirst curved edge interfaces to the first edge of the curved planarouter wall with a pleat.
 12. A method of sealing a take-off to a collarnipple, the collar nipple installed in a surface of aheating/air-conditioning box/run, the method comprising: providing atape, the tape forming an arc with respect to a center point, the tapecomprising: a planar bottom, a curved planar outer wall distal from thecenter point, and a curved planar inner wall closer to the center point,the bottom having a bottom surface distal from the curved planar outerwall and the curved planar inner wall, an edge of the curved planarouter wall interfaced to a first curved edge of the planar bottom and anedge of the curved planar inner wall interfaced to an opposite curvededge of the planar bottom, thereby forming a U-shaped cross section; afirst adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of the curved planarouter wall, the inner surface of the curved planar outer wall being asurface of the curved planar outer wall closest to the curved planarinner wall; a second adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of thecurved planar inner wall, the inner surface of the curved planar innerwall being a surface of the curved planar inner wall closest to thecenter point; and a third adhesive layer disposed on the bottom surfaceof the planar bottom; pulling a vapor barrier and an insulation layerback from an end of a duct core of the take-off duct; fitting the end ofthe duct core over the collar nipple; wrapping a band over the end ofthe duct core; tightening the band; affixing the first adhesive layer tothe circumference of the collar nipple covering at least part of thecollar nipple and part of the end of the duct core; affixing the secondadhesive layer to the box/run around the collar; pushing the insulatinglayer and the vapor barrier into the tape between the curved planarinner wall and the curved planar outer wall; and affixing the thirdadhesive layer to the vapor barrier.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the step of removing a removable cover from over the firstadhesive layers before the step of affixing the first adhesive layer.14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of removing aremovable cover from over the third adhesive layer before the step ofaffixing the third adhesive layer.
 15. A tape for sealing duct work, thetape forming a U-shape, the tape comprising: a bottom, an outer wall andan inner wall, the bottom having a bottom surface distal from the outerwall and the inner wall, an edge of the outer wall interfaced to a firstedge of the bottom and an edge of the inner wall interfaced to anopposite edge of the bottom, thereby forming a U-shaped cross section;and embosses formed in at least one of the bottom, the outer wall andthe inner wall.
 16. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 15, furthercomprising: a first adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of theouter wall, the inner surface of the outer wall being a surface of theouter wall closest to a reference point; a second adhesive layerdisposed on an outer surface of the inner wall, the outer surface of theinner wall being a surface of the inner wall closest to the referencepoint; and a third adhesive layer disposed on the bottom surface of thebottom.
 17. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 16, furthercomprising at least one removable cover removably covering at least oneof the adhesive layers.
 18. The tape for sealing duct work of claim 15,wherein the tape is provided in sections of a specific length.
 19. Thetape for sealing duct work of claim 15, further comprising at least oneband slideably affixed to a surface of at least one wall selected fromthe group consisting of the outer wall and the inner wall.
 20. The tapefor sealing duct work of claim 15, wherein the edge of the inner wall isinterfaced to the opposite edge of the bottom by a pleat.